Melvin Ray Eldridge

Melvin Ray Eldridge of Cottonport, age 70, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at his residence.

Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Christian Family Worship Center in Mansura, LA. 

Burial will follow at Shepherd on the Hill Cemetery in Plaucheville, LA. 

Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Christian Family Worship Center in Mansura, LA. 

Melvin was born August 6, 1955, in Pineville, La, to the late Lillie Mae and Leon Eldridge Sr. On September 4, 2025, God called our loving angel home to eternal rest at 4:35 pm in his residence.

At an early age, Melvin accepted Christ and was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church. Later in life, he moved his membership to First Evening Star Baptist Church, where he served as a devoted and faithful member, even singing in the choir. Melvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Eldridge Sr.; mother, Lillie Mae Eldridge; brother,  Ronald Eldridge; and sister, Irma Jean Eldridge.

Melvin was united in holy matrimony to Peggy Ann Prater Eldridge. 4 children were apart of this union. Melvin leaves to cherish his memories with his wife Peggy Ann Prater Eldridge, (1) daughter, Jessica Prater (Lee Tezno); (3) sons, Travis Prater, Jason Prater, Sr. (Jessica Prater), and Damien Prater (Thelma Jackson Prater) all of Cottonport, La.; (1) sister, Barbara (Cornelius) Harrison of Cottonport, LA; (3) brothers, Daniel Eldridge of Cottonport, LA, Leon Eldridge, Jr. of Stafford, Va, Edward (Alma) Eldridge of Memphis, TN.; (2) god-children, Corey Prater and Erica Prater; (3) children he took in as his own, Dewayne Turner, Kanisha Prater, and Donta Prater; (17) grandchildren; (5) great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Escude Funeral Home of Mansura, LA.